Hi all.... its been a while since I've posted here. So I've still not been to my doctor about these IBS-esque symptoms I have, mainly bc they come and go. Well, lately my BM's have actually been coming every other day, instead of every 3-4 days. I thought the huge period in between them was what was causing the hard stools and pain. But even when I'm regular I am still having BMs that feel like I'm passing knives!!!!! I just know that I have a fissure, that has to be what is causing the pain (and the small amount of blood on the TP every now and then) and I feel like it keeps getting re-torn everytime I go. I'm so frustrated because I drink water like crazy all day long and was taking colace for a while (200mg per day) and that didn't really seem to make any difference. I am so tired of the painful BM's, I just want them to be soft and normal!!!!!!!!! All the remedies recommended seem to not work for me :( I have a normal diet, I suppose I could eat more fiber, but is that really going to help? I don't want to go to my doctor because frankly, she's an idiot and will just tell me things I already know.

Is there anything else I can do?? Am I missing something?

ali

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"You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end, each of us must work for our own improvement and, at the same time, share a general responsibility for all humanity, our particular duty being to aid those to whom we think we can be most useful." - Marie Curie

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(((HUGS)))Hopeful, are you taking a stool softener? It might help. If that is what Colace is, and it is not working, you may want to switch.Yes, fiber should help you (if it is indeed a fissure). Eat bran cereal and/or take a fiber supplement. Psyllium seems to be a good one, with minimal gas.I hope someone else will come along with some tips.Take care.Co-Moderator for the IBS Forum

Hope you are doing better. I take the prescription "Miralax" twice a day. It does soften the stool. I will go sometimes weeks without a bm and then go days where I feel like I am stuck in the bathroom. Drink lots of water + lots of water. I can tell a difference without out the water. I am the same way if I eat alot of salty foods or sweets it tears me up. No popcorn at all. That will double me over.

Best wishes to you.

Tee

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6